ECHL: Trenton Titans to host Russian Elite team

By Frank Seravalli

September 6th, 2003

Merry Christmas! The Trenton Titans received their Christmas present a little early this year; they will be hosting the Russian Spartak St. Petersburg elite team on December 27th and 28th, 2003. St. Petersburg is a member of the second tier “high” or “elite” league.

Titans Owner/CEO Geoffrey Berman announced on Thursday that the Titans would be taking on the Russian elite team. The Titans will become the first ECHL team to host a team from Russia.

“We are celebrating the Titans fifth season, and what better way to commemorate the occasion than with a bilateral competition that’s sure to thrill our followers,” Mr. Berman said. “These will be very exciting matches,” he predicted.

Coordinating this event is Trenton entrepreneur Shelley M. Zeiger. In the past, Mr. Zeiger has presented Russian fine-arts exhibits and dance performances in the Trenton area. Mr. Zeiger feels that this game will not only produce great hockey, but that it will “spur economic growth and promote peace” in the process.

The two exhibition games will take place at Sovereign Bank Arena on Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 28 at 2 p.m.

Not only is this game great for the ECHL because it bridges political, cultural, and historical gaps, but it is great for the sport of hockey in general. The skill of the Russians and the physicality of the US team will make for two interesting matchups.

Visit the official website of Spartak St. Petersburg:http://www.spartak.inc.ru/